Tuesday, July 8, 2025
On Tuesday, 8th July 2025, traffic jams were widespread across Hampshire’s road network, with major congestion on the M27 and M275 motorways. It was a combination of a stranded vehicle on the M27 and existing roadworks, and drivers were treated to queues and slow traffic on the congested rush hour. Affected roads were on the M27 Eastbound, around Fareham, and on the M275 northbound, between Portsmouth and the M27. These traffic congestions, while likely to clear later in the day, had created widespread congestion among commuters and travelers across the entire region.
M27 Eastbound: Lane Closed Near Fareham
At around 7:30 AM, a stranded vehicle led to significant disruptions on the M27 Eastbound between Junction 9 (Segensworth Link Road) and Junction 10 (Wickham Road), outside Fareham. A lane was momentarily blocked in response to the stranded vehicle, and only two roads remained available for traffic flow. Emergency services were on the scene and trying to recover the vehicle and facilitate a reopening of the blocked lane.
AA Traffic News noted that slow traffic was reported on the Eastbound M27, and average speed dropped as low as 10 mph. It had a domino effect, and traffic was queuing onto other roads. Therefore, drivers experienced at least a 20-minute delay, and more delays were anticipated as rush-hour traffic kept building up.
It was hoped that by 9:00 AM, everything would have been better, with the stranded vehicle having been cleared by the roadworks crew. In the meantime, however, all available lanes were badly congested and not only impacted the M27 itself, but feeder roads such as the A27 and A32, which link with the motorway at various points.
M275 Northbound: Slow Traffic from Tipner to M27 Westbound
On a separate note, the M275 northbound connecting to the M27 at Portsmouth had its fair share of traffic congestion. Slow traffic was experienced between the Tipner exit and exit to the junction to the M27 westbound. Such congestion on this section merely provided frustration among drivers entering the city or into the M27 from the north.
Drivers’ travel speed ranged between 10 mph, and a seven-minute delay was expected by local traffic authorities. Spillover effects of delays on the M27, however, led to congestion as other roads were used by drivers. Spillover effects and vehicle numbers, as well as a breakdown on the M27 northbound, did not obstruct this lane, though other build-ups resulted on the M275.
This additional congestion was on top of a tense morning rush-hour journey, particularly for commuters going towards Portsmouth or other local cities. Both commuters passing through and local commuters had to deal with the disabled vehicle on the M27, as well as typical rush-hour traffic.
Latest Roadworks near M27 Junctions 5–7
Whilst immediate problems were created by the stranded vehicle on the M27 and traffic congestion on the M275, ongoing roadworks between Junctions 5 and 7 on the M27 created a longer-term element of congestion to traffic dynamics. National Highways has been undertaking resurfacing, including drainage improvements and the use of its low-noise asphalt, to reduce future noise from traffic and extend road life. These works, however, which will run until Spring 2026, have already started to create traffic congestion on these sections of the M27.
The resurfacing work involved daytime and overnight road closures, planned to have minimal disruption at night, but during the day, traffic has been affected. Although roadworks are planned to keep the M27 in its best possible condition for the future, these have also been a cause of ongoing traffic congestion on the site. At roadworks phases, motorists will have stop-and-go moments throughout the year, particularly in summer when construction activity is conducted in its busiest capacity. Daily commuters on the M27 are also urged to account for possible delays while routing their travels. National Highways and local traffic authorities are transparent by making regular updates available to members of the public.
Advice to drivers
Following persistent congestion on the M27 and M275, drivers should plan their journeys carefully. Drivers should try and use alternative roads if possible and avoid affected parts of roads. Commuters going east on the M27 around Fareham and going north on the M275 around Tipner are being advised by local authorities to seek diversions and minimize congestion.
It’s also a good practice to refer to real-time traffic data found on websites like the AA Traffic News, Google Maps, or Waze. These websites normally have the latest traffic alerts, such as accident reports, lane closures, and expected delays. Leaving earlier than you would normally do as a commuter can save you from the worst rush-hour traffic congestion if you have to pass through affected regions.
To find real-time updates on either the roadworks on the M27 or on the accident involving a stranded vehicle, users can use the official National Highways page, among other local traffic feeds. Following these pages will provide you with accurate travel time estimates and diversion routes to use as the construction is underway.
Economic Impact on Restaurants and Local Shops
The morning congestion of the M27 and M275 created a ripple effect well beyond commuters. The M27 is a key Hampshire artery and gives access to local industry and local businesses across Hampshire. Severe congestion on this stretch would have impacts on people as well as on the delivery of goods, services, and logistic activity, all significant components of local economic life.
Hampshire has enjoyed ongoing growth in its tourist and service sectors, which rely on efficient transport corridors like the M27 to lure visitors and supply chains. A significant disruption of this flow can have effects on local firms, particularly firms with just-in-time delivery reliance or customers employing road transport.
Moreover, traffic congestion can have a quality-of-life effect on people residing in regions surrounding the M27, as subsequent congestion also results in a contribution to air quality and noise pollution. Local and environmental authorities remain vigilant regarding these effects, aiming to coordinate necessary roadworks with environmental and economic costs that result from prolonged disruptions.
